We fight for
Press And Civic
Space Freedom
Across West Africa

Tracking the truth. Defending press freedom. Equipping storytellers.

View Country Profile

OPEN West Africa is a regional platform dedicated to monitoring press freedom, mapping democratic backsliding, and building capacity for investigative and evidence-based journalism.

At the intersection of technology, media, and civic space, OPEN West Africa empowers journalists, media educators, and watchdogs with data, learning tools, and investigative resources to defend democracy and promote truthful storytelling.

Who We Are

In an era of disinformation, media suppression, and shrinking civic spaces, OPEN West Africa was established to document threats, strengthen legal protections, and empower voices across the region. We operate as:

  • A regional observatory tracking violations against journalists, censorship trends, and democratic erosion.
  • A hub for legal and policy advocacy, developing frameworks to protect press freedom and civic rights.
  • A community of practice connecting journalists, legal experts, and civil society actors across ECOWAS countries.

Press Freedom & Civic Space Observatory

Our live data dashboard maps incidents of:

  • Journalist arrests and harassment
  • Media bans and censorship
  • Digital surveillance and legal crackdowns
  • Civil society restrictions and anti-democratic laws

We provide comprehensive reports and resources on:

  • Regional press freedom violations and trends
  • Legal and regulatory threats to media and civic spaces
  • Policy recommendations for stronger protections

Our hub produces and supports:

  • Data-driven reports on press freedom and civic space violations
  • Model legal frameworks to protect journalists and media organizations
  • Policy briefs and advocacy tools to counter disinformation and censorship
  • Collaborations with legal experts to challenge anti-democratic laws

We equip journalists, legal advocates, and civil society actors with skills and resources through training in:

  • Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) techniques for evidence gathering
  • Digital security and risk mitigation
  • Regional fact-checking and verification
  • Legal literacy for navigating press freedom challenges

Why We Matter

  • Drives regional press freedom advocacy with data-driven reports
  • Strengthens legal protections for journalists and civic actors
  • Supports evidence-based policy reforms to uphold democratic norms
  • Bridges media, legal experts, and civil society in defense of truth